🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter, and refills the engine with the correct fresh oil. Doing it on time helps protect the engine from wear and keeps oil pressure and lubrication where they should be.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake before you start.
• Engine oil and exhaust parts can be very hot. Let the engine cool first.
• Use jack stands if you raise the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep oil off belts, hoses, and the driveway. Clean spills right away.
• If your Equinox has an oil life monitor, you’ll reset it after the service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter socket or cap wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Oil filter wrench
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Rags or shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (dexos-approved 5W-30 synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap and dipstick.
• Have the new oil and filter ready before draining.
• For 2010+ vehicles, be ready to reset the oil life monitor in the vehicle menu after the service.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle if needed for access.
• Support it with jack stands under the proper lift points.
• Use wheel chocks on the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap

• Use your hand to remove the oil fill cap from the engine cover or valve cover area.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug washer before reinstalling the plug.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Use an oil filter socket or cap wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter.
• Let the filter drain into the pan before fully removing it.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter.
• Double-check the old gasket.

Step 5: Prepare and install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Install the new oil filter by hand until the gasket seats.
• Then tighten it according to the filter instructions, usually hand-tight plus a small turn.
• If your filter uses a cap housing, use the oil filter socket or cap wrench and torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface with a rag.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to reinstall the drain plug.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add new engine oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 5.5 quarts first using the correct engine oil (dexos-approved 5W-30 synthetic).
• Wait a minute, then check the dipstick and top off slowly until the level reaches the safe mark.
• Total capacity is typically about 6 quarts with filter, but always finish by dipstick level.

Step 8: Check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Use a flashlight to check the drain plug and oil filter for leaks.
• Shut the engine off and recheck the oil level after a few minutes.

Step 9: Reset the oil life monitor

• Use the vehicle settings menu on the dash if equipped.
• Follow the path: Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life Reset.
• Set oil life back to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level again after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Check under the vehicle for any oil drips.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a proper recycling center.
• Recheck the oil life reset display to make sure it took.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹6,000-₹12,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹6,500 (parts only)

You Save: ₹2,500-₹5,500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹4,500-₹7,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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